Off Anna Maria Guidebook
Beachin' it
Anna Maria Island - the reason you probably came to town! The award-winning powder white sand beaches on Anna Maria Island are known for being quiet, with no large high rises or commercial activity to spoil the peacefulness of nature.
Anna Maria Public Beach
Anna Maria Island - the reason you probably came to town! The award-winning powder white sand beaches on Anna Maria Island are known for being quiet, with no large high rises or commercial activity to spoil the peacefulness of nature.
World famous Siesta Key beach is about 45 mins away from Off Anna Maria. In our opinion, Anna Maria beaches are better :) but it’s definitely something to visit if you have time!
798 locals recommend
Siesta Beach
World famous Siesta Key beach is about 45 mins away from Off Anna Maria. In our opinion, Anna Maria beaches are better :) but it’s definitely something to visit if you have time!
Shopping
St. Armands Circle is an island shopping paradise located in the Gulf of Mexico just west of Sarasota on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast. A relaxing, easy drive through Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, St. Armands is home to over one hundred upscale shops, stores and restaurants. A recently added public parking garage is a huge bonus.
33 locals recommend
Saint Armands Key
St. Armands Circle is an island shopping paradise located in the Gulf of Mexico just west of Sarasota on Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast. A relaxing, easy drive through Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, St. Armands is home to over one hundred upscale shops, stores and restaurants. A recently added public parking garage is a huge bonus.
The Bradenton Farmers’ Market is where the community meets to enjoy fresh produce, local art, & music. Parking is free on weekends and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Every Saturday, from October through May, from 9am – 2pm, on Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton (400 12th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205).
Old Main Street is a tree-lined retail district of cafes and restaurants running three blocks north from Manatee Avenue to the Manatee River, where it meets the Bradenton Riverwalk.
19 locals recommend
Bradenton Farmers Market
400 12th St WThe Bradenton Farmers’ Market is where the community meets to enjoy fresh produce, local art, & music. Parking is free on weekends and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Every Saturday, from October through May, from 9am – 2pm, on Old Main Street in Downtown Bradenton (400 12th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34205).
Old Main Street is a tree-lined retail district of cafes and restaurants running three blocks north from Manatee Avenue to the Manatee River, where it meets the Bradenton Riverwalk.
Ellenton Premium Outlets
5461 Factory Shops BlvdA large outdoor mall with many factory outlet stores
This huge shopping area and mall includes restaurants, shopping, activities and more
52 locals recommend
University Town Center
257 N Cattlemen RdThis huge shopping area and mall includes restaurants, shopping, activities and more
Outdoor adventure
Robinson Preserve is a 600+-acre coastal preserve located in northwestern Bradenton. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at this park located just a few miles from Off Anna Maria.
The interior of the preserve features hiking paths, kayak and canoe waterways, bridges, picnic spots, mangrove forests and a 53-foot-tall tower with a wide-open view of the Tampa Bay area. The 120-year-old Valentine House, moved to the preserve by boat, is near the entrance to the property, scheduled for a renovation to become Robinson’s information center.
193 locals recommend
Robinson Preserve
1704 99th St NWRobinson Preserve is a 600+-acre coastal preserve located in northwestern Bradenton. Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at this park located just a few miles from Off Anna Maria.
The interior of the preserve features hiking paths, kayak and canoe waterways, bridges, picnic spots, mangrove forests and a 53-foot-tall tower with a wide-open view of the Tampa Bay area. The 120-year-old Valentine House, moved to the preserve by boat, is near the entrance to the property, scheduled for a renovation to become Robinson’s information center.
Rated #1 Outdoor Activity in Bradenton by TripAdvisor! This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that lets you experience horseback riding just five minutes from Off Anna Maria. Begin your excursion by meeting the beautiful, amazing horses. 95% of these horses are rescues!
Within minutes you’ll fall in love with this rare breed. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as it’s common to see manatees, stingrays, and dolphins swimming by. Palma Sola Bay is a natural breeding ground for our manatees! Enjoy the beautiful bay views as you ride with your gentle companion. Ask your guide about your horse’s story. You may even shed a tear when you hear some of the horrible conditions our horses came from.
After a brief swimming lesson, our horses will swim while you ride them. The horses are never forced to swim; this is actually their favorite part! So grab hold of their manes and hang on tight! This almost feels like you’re flying through the air.
There is no hard impact or bouncing as the horses’ feet do not touch the ground while they swim (if conditions are right, and the temperature is above 60 degrees). Your mounted guide navigates the tides and shares information about our native sea life and our rescue horses. They also take pictures that can be purchased on the day of your ride and even downloaded right to your phone.
24 locals recommend
Cponies Beach Horseback Rides
8400 Manatee Ave WRated #1 Outdoor Activity in Bradenton by TripAdvisor! This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that lets you experience horseback riding just five minutes from Off Anna Maria. Begin your excursion by meeting the beautiful, amazing horses. 95% of these horses are rescues!
Within minutes you’ll fall in love with this rare breed. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as it’s common to see manatees, stingrays, and dolphins swimming by. Palma Sola Bay is a natural breeding ground for our manatees! Enjoy the beautiful bay views as you ride with your gentle companion. Ask your guide about your horse’s story. You may even shed a tear when you hear some of the horrible conditions our horses came from.
After a brief swimming lesson, our horses will swim while you ride them. The horses are never forced to swim; this is actually their favorite part! So grab hold of their manes and hang on tight! This almost feels like you’re flying through the air.
There is no hard impact or bouncing as the horses’ feet do not touch the ground while they swim (if conditions are right, and the temperature is above 60 degrees). Your mounted guide navigates the tides and shares information about our native sea life and our rescue horses. They also take pictures that can be purchased on the day of your ride and even downloaded right to your phone.
The Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile waterfront park that features day docks, an amphitheater, performance areas and pavilion, a skateboard park, an interactive splash pad, and much more.
87 locals recommend
Riverwalk
452 3rd Ave WThe Riverwalk is a 1.5-mile waterfront park that features day docks, an amphitheater, performance areas and pavilion, a skateboard park, an interactive splash pad, and much more.
Things to do
Created in 1948, the park's mission is to commemorate the 1539 expedition of the Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto and his impact on the indigenous societies of the Southeast. The park is open year round and offers many seasonal activities. The highlight of the parks activities include living history programs and demonstrations at Camp Uzita, a recreation of a 16th Century native village. During the summer the park operates guided kayak tours in the surrounding water and bays. Park Rangers and staff are on hand to assist visitors in their understanding of this important and controversial historical event.
105 locals recommend
DeSoto National Memorial Park
8300 Desoto Memorial HwyCreated in 1948, the park's mission is to commemorate the 1539 expedition of the Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto and his impact on the indigenous societies of the Southeast. The park is open year round and offers many seasonal activities. The highlight of the parks activities include living history programs and demonstrations at Camp Uzita, a recreation of a 16th Century native village. During the summer the park operates guided kayak tours in the surrounding water and bays. Park Rangers and staff are on hand to assist visitors in their understanding of this important and controversial historical event.
LECOM Park, formerly McKechnie Field, is home to Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders minor league team.
27 locals recommend
McKechnie Stadium
1611 9th St WLECOM Park, formerly McKechnie Field, is home to Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders minor league team.
Hold large birds, see alligators, flamingos, local native wildlife at this amazing zoo
296 locals recommend
Sarasota Jungle Gardens
3701 Bay Shore RdHold large birds, see alligators, flamingos, local native wildlife at this amazing zoo
Learn about the natural history of Florida and see Manatees and other aquatic animals at the Bishop!
131 locals recommend
Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
201 10th St WLearn about the natural history of Florida and see Manatees and other aquatic animals at the Bishop!
Big cat habitat is amazing for animal lovers! Definitely don’t miss this.
158 locals recommend
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
7101 Palmer BlvdBig cat habitat is amazing for animal lovers! Definitely don’t miss this.
IMG Academy, a world-class sports training facility and school for athletes, is located 10 minutes from the suite.
36 locals recommend
IMG Academy
5650 Bollettieri BoulevardIMG Academy, a world-class sports training facility and school for athletes, is located 10 minutes from the suite.
Brunch
The Sage Biscuit Café- Downtown
1401 Manatee Ave WAwesome for breakfast, lunch, and brunch
A delicious local favorite, small chain of breakfast/lunch restaurants. Try the chicken salad croissant, pancakes, BLTs, or breakfast sundae.
13 locals recommend
Peach's Restaurants - Holmes Beach
3240 E Bay DrA delicious local favorite, small chain of breakfast/lunch restaurants. Try the chicken salad croissant, pancakes, BLTs, or breakfast sundae.
Eat right on the beach at the public beach! All-you-can-eat pancakes on Sundays mornings.
36 locals recommend
Anna Maria Island Beach Cafe
4000 Gulf DrEat right on the beach at the public beach! All-you-can-eat pancakes on Sundays mornings.
Yummy donut concoctions on the island. Everything’s delicious! 🍩🍩🍩
66 locals recommend
The Donut Experiment
210 Pine AveYummy donut concoctions on the island. Everything’s delicious! 🍩🍩🍩
Dinner
Only a mile from the suite, with some traditional favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, Sausage & peppers, pasta, & salads or a quick slice of award winning pizza.
34 locals recommend
Dannys Pizzeria
7220 Manatee Ave WOnly a mile from the suite, with some traditional favorites like Chicken Parmigiana, Lasagna, Sausage & peppers, pasta, & salads or a quick slice of award winning pizza.
Breathtaking waterfront views, yummy food, outdoor seating available. Gets busy; get here early.
152 locals recommend
The Beach House Restaurant
200 Gulf Dr NBreathtaking waterfront views, yummy food, outdoor seating available. Gets busy; get here early.
Waterfront, beachfront restaurant with delicious food. A local favorite!
168 locals recommend
The Sandbar Restaurant
100 Spring AveWaterfront, beachfront restaurant with delicious food. A local favorite!
Yummy healthy a la carte local taco joint just up the road from the suite.
56 locals recommend
Poppo's Taqueria
212C Pine AveYummy healthy a la carte local taco joint just up the road from the suite.
Love O’Learys for a casual bite on the water. This is a staple in downtown Sarasota; a great place to grab lunch.
171 locals recommend
Oleary's Tiki Bar & Grill
5 Bayfront DrLove O’Learys for a casual bite on the water. This is a staple in downtown Sarasota; a great place to grab lunch.
Eat outside for wonderful views and a bay breeze. Enjoy the casual atmosphere and delicious food. Awesome fish and chips.
69 locals recommend
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier
200 Bridge StEat outside for wonderful views and a bay breeze. Enjoy the casual atmosphere and delicious food. Awesome fish and chips.
Chart House
201 Gulf of Mexico DrDelicious fare; fancy prices too 😏
Waterfront dining, outdoor seating, good food and good atmosphere.
16 locals recommend
Floridays Woodfire Bar & Grill
12332 Manatee Ave WWaterfront dining, outdoor seating, good food and good atmosphere.
Try the birria tacos and phenomenal chips and mango salsa!
Los Chiludos Mexican Restaurant and Catering
3232 Southpointe BlvdTry the birria tacos and phenomenal chips and mango salsa!
Grocery stores nearby
Small convenience store you can walk to from the suite! Head west (toward the beach) down 11th Ave; turn right on 71st St. The mini mart is just ahead on the left.
Sandy's Express Mart (Formerly "Mike's Mini Mart")
7105 15th Ave NWSmall convenience store you can walk to from the suite! Head west (toward the beach) down 11th Ave; turn right on 71st St. The mini mart is just ahead on the left.
The closest store and a local favorite! Try a Publix sub from the deli.
20 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Beachway Plaza
7310 Manatee Ave WThe closest store and a local favorite! Try a Publix sub from the deli.
More organic and wholesome grocery store 1.4 miles from the suite
31 locals recommend
The Fresh Market
6701 Manatee Ave WMore organic and wholesome grocery store 1.4 miles from the suite